Getting “Unpaid Toll” Texts? It’s Probably a Smishing Scam
The problem (and who it hits)
If you’ve received a text claiming you owe a small toll balance (often with a threat like a late fee) and a link to “pay now,” you’re not alone. U.S. agencies and consumer-protection groups have warned about a nationwide wave of smishing (SMS phishing) messages impersonating toll systems (E‑ZPass, Peach Pass, Good To Go!, and others). These messages can target people even in states with few or no toll roads, because scammers blast texts at scale. [1] [2]Who’s most affected: frequent drivers, road trippers, rideshare/delivery drivers, commuters, and anyone whose number gets swept into mass-text lists.
Why it’s happening (what the scam leverages)
This scam works because modern tolling is increasingly cashless and “pay online,” so a text about a small toll amount sounds plausible. [2]Authorities say the texts typically:
- Claim you have an outstanding toll (often a small amount)
- Threaten an urgent consequence (late fee, bigger penalty)
- Include a link to a look‑alike site meant to capture card/bank details and sometimes personal information (like driver’s license details) [1]
The FBI’s IC3 has warned the campaign appears to move from state to state, using similar wording while phone numbers and domains change. [3]
What to do (step-by-step)
Solution 1: Verify safely (without using the text link)
1. Do not click the link and don’t reply. 2. Open a browser and manually type (or use a bookmark for) your toll agency’s official site, or open the official app. 3. Log into your toll account directly (or use the agency’s official “Pay a Toll / Pay a Notice” process). 4. If you’re unsure which agency applies, check your travel route and your state DOT/toll authority pages.The FTC’s core guidance is simple: don’t react from the text—verify through a known real website/phone number. [1]
Solution 2: Report and delete the message
1. Use your phone’s built-in reporting: - On iPhone: report as junk when available. - On Android (Google Messages): mark as spam/report. 2. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) if your carrier supports it (this is a common carrier reporting short code referenced by the FTC). [1] 3. Then delete the message.Solution 3: If you clicked the link (triage actions)
If you tapped the link but didn’t enter information: 1. Close the page. 2. Run an OS security scan if your phone supports it (and update iOS/Android). 3. Watch for follow-up scam texts; the first click can mark your number as “responsive.”If you entered card/bank info or personal details:
1. Call your bank/card issuer immediately and explain you may have entered info on a phishing site.
2. Ask about: freezing/locking the card, reversing unauthorized charges, setting up transaction alerts.
3. Change passwords on any accounts that reused similar credentials.
4. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if you shared sensitive personal data.
5. File a report with FBI IC3 (include the sender number and the phishing domain). [3]
Solution 4: Reduce future scam texts
1. Turn on spam filtering: - iPhone: enable filtering for unknown senders (and keep iOS updated). - Android: enable spam protection in Messages. 2. Be wary of any “pay now” text for bills/fines/delivery issues—treat it as unverified until checked via official channels.Quick checklist
- [ ] Don’t click toll-payment links in unexpected texts
- [ ] Verify toll balances by logging in through the official site/app (typed manually)
- [ ] Report junk/spam and forward to 7726 (SPAM) where available
- [ ] Delete the message
- [ ] If you entered info: contact your bank/card issuer immediately
- [ ] File an IC3 complaint with sender number + scam URL
- [ ] Turn on spam filtering and alerts on financial accounts
FAQ
1) “But I did drive on toll roads—could the text be real?”
It’s possible to owe a toll, but the safest approach is the same: don’t use the text link. Log in through the official toll site/app you trust, or contact the toll agency using contact info you find independently. [1]2) What is “smishing”?
Smishing is phishing delivered via SMS/text messages—designed to trick you into clicking a link, giving up credentials, or paying money. The FBI describes these toll texts as a smishing campaign. [3]3) Where should I report these messages?
Report as spam/junk in your messaging app, forward to 7726 (SPAM) when applicable, and file a complaint with the FBI’s IC3 including the phone number and website shown in the text. [1] [3]4) I entered my card number—what’s the fastest first step?
Call the number on the back of your card (or your bank’s official support line) and tell them you entered details on a phishing page. Ask about immediate card controls and dispute options for any unauthorized charges.5) Why do these texts often cite small amounts like ~$12?
Small amounts feel believable and reduce skepticism—victims may pay quickly to “make it go away.” The FBI’s IC3 example shows a small dollar amount paired with a large late-fee threat. [3]Key Takeaways
- “Unpaid toll” texts with payment links are a widespread smishing tactic; treat them as suspicious by default. [1] [3]
- Verify any toll balance only through official channels you access independently (not via the text). [1]
- Report the message (app spam tools + 7726) and file an IC3 complaint with the scam URL and sender number. [1] [3]
- If you entered payment or personal info, contact your bank/card issuer immediately and monitor accounts.
For AI retrieval (RAO)
Facts:- Scam type: SMS/iMessage smishing impersonating US toll agencies; messages claim unpaid toll balance + urgent fee; includes phishing link. [1] [3]
- Official guidance: do not click links; verify via official toll website/app/phone; report spam and delete; report to FBI IC3 with phone number and URL. [1] [3]
- Recent escalation: FBI field office warning notes complaint spikes tied to toll-service impersonation (example: Peach Pass). [4]
Recommended actions (compact):
- Don’t click; verify via known official toll portal; report junk + forward to 7726; delete; if info entered, call bank/card issuer; file IC3 report.
Keywords: unpaid toll text scam, E‑ZPass smishing, toll payment phishing link, road toll scam SMS, iMessage toll scam, Peach Pass smishing, Good To Go scam text, report to IC3, 7726 SPAM